"Resonator Bass VI" Idea

[Tubbs Anjeron]

Would it be possible to take a typical metal body biscuit bridge resonator guitar (similar to the Gretsch honey dipper) and get someone to make a custom 30" scale stick neck to effectively turn it into a resonator bass VI? It seems like it should be doable considering the tension would be similar, but I'm unsure who could make a neck for it. If anyone has suggestions for a reasonable price (under 1000 preferably, 1500 at most), or if there's something I'm forgetting that would make it more difficult than I think it would be to convert, please let me know!

 

[mikeoso]

There are currently 4 string resonator basses out there....maybe start there?

Here's one example. https://www.musiciansfriend.com/fol...ld-tone-pbb-paul-beard-resophonic-bass-guitar

 

[HaphAsSard]

Would it be possible to take a typical metal body biscuit bridge resonator guitar (similar to the Gretsch honey dipper) and get someone to make a custom 30" scale stick neck to effectively turn it into a resonator bass VI? It seems like it should be doable considering the tension would be similar, but I'm unsure who could make a neck for it. If anyone has suggestions for a reasonable price (under 1000 preferably, 1500 at most), or if there's something I'm forgetting that would make it more difficult than I think it would be to convert, please let me know!

There are currently 4 string resonator basses out there....maybe start there?

Here's one example. https://www.musiciansfriend.com/fol...ld-tone-pbb-paul-beard-resophonic-bass-guitar

I've indeed dug up four current models (not sure if they're the same four):

- Gold Tone PBB Paul Beard Signature-Series Resonator Bass Guitar;
- [This invalid link has been removed] RES BASS CBK;
[^ These two are actually longer-scale than bass VI -type instruments (i.e. 32" vs. 30").]

- Regal RD-05;
- Ozark 3516.
[^ These are 30" and 29.685" scale, respectively.]

Two more, recently (?) discontinued resophonic basses you might be able to find used are:
- Harley Benton Custom Line CLR-ResoBass (30.315");
- Tuscany Spider Bass (30").

Not applicable in our case since it looks to be 24~24.5" scale, but there's also this one from AliExpress, "Jonathan" brand:
US $450.0 |Jonathan resonator bass guitar , resophonic bass guitars, Metal Body Duolian Guitar|Guitar| - AliExpress
US $450.0 |Jonathan resonator bass guitar , resophonic bass guitars, Metal Body Duolian Guitar|Guitar| - AliExpress

 

[mikeoso]

Looks like a modified headstock for two more tuners, a nut, saddle, and tailpiece would do it. That assumes the neck is wide enough. Prolly have to change the pups too

 

[mikeoso]

....or...just get a baritone reso, put in different tuners and heavier strings.
Delta 6 Baritone

 

[Tubbs Anjeron]

I own a dean resonator bass, but it's unremarkable to me. It plays well, has decent intonation and sounds fine for what it is but I want the shimmering, loud sound of a metal body biscuit cone guitar. I also have a Gretsch honey dipper which is what gave me the idea - to me it's no contest which of the two guitars sounds better. I've seen the Goldtone, Regal and Ozark basses before - the only one with a biscuit cone is the Ozark (the other two sound more like my Dean resonator), but the shipping and customs prices turned me away from it (looks like they're only sold in the UK). Seems like it wouldn't be a difficult conversion, though, the scale length is spot on so my only concern would be string spacing. Might just bite the bullet and get one if I can find it in stock somewhere.

That Delta 6 has a great ES335 look to it (my favorite guitar shape) but I need something that will make a lot of noise unplugged and the scale is a bit short for a good sounding low E I think.